I created a twitter account late last year, but I wasn't logging on everyday like most people. I didn't really update it much. But, I do like it now to be honest. I'm following people and organizations I didn't even realize had Twitter accounts, such as ExperienceLA (The cultural calendar.)

Feel free to follow me on Twitter.

Here's to a new week. :)

Labels: twitter

Many people may define a Nomad as someone who never settles down in one place and is constantly moving from place to place, and some may see it as somebody on journey on a tight budget. Many Nomads walk miles from their residences to the mountains to find food, comfort and even a new residence. (I have an utmost respect to them.) For many cultures it's not a choice, it's survival. A Nomad could also be defined as a traveler, a wanderer, a free spirit. However one may see it, a Nomad to me is a person in pursuit of happiness, a dream realized to see the world.

There are different types of Nomads, but the ones I speak of are the modern day Nomads (the ones who refuse to save their hard-earned cash in their early 30's to buy a home or even worse, to travel after retiring) to take chance and explore the world with their hard earned money. Travel while you're young? Or travel when you're 65? Hmm...food for thought. I've read many stories where elderly people have regretted not traveling in their young adult lives. It's a must. You won't get many opportunities to live more than once, so it's good to take advantage while you can. I understand financial issues. I'm far from wealthy, but I don't let the fact that I don't make enough shatter my goals and dreams of doing what I want in life. Positivity and taking action is key in my mind.

I never understood why people spend so many years, beginning from an early age, constantly saving money for retirement. Why not enjoy the money and see what's out there? I honestly can't see myself saving for a home at 25 to buy it when I'm 35. I'm sure I'll have a different mindset as I get older, but I know for a fact that I do not want to spend my life savings on a home that cannot travel with me. I'd rather rent or lease an apartment or home in my 20's. But do keep in mind, this is the 24 year-old Marissa speaking. I have goals of traveling, driving, cruising, hiking, biking, walking, trailing, swimming, etc in my 20's even 30's.

My dream is to one day obtain a job as a travel reporter in hopes of meeting people around the world that have an amazing story to share, through print. Those are life-changing moments for me and I can't wait to experience it.

Memories are precious, paying off a mortgage for 30 years is not.

Happy Traveling.

Labels: nomad, traveling

After seeing "Minsky's: The New Musical Comedy" at the Ahmanson Theatre in February, I fell in love with theatre all over again. Minksy's takes place during the 1920's in the burlesque era. The main character, Billy Minsky is the star of the show. Minsky's goal is to bring back burlesque while the public is trying to shut his place down. His acting was close to perfection and his singing -- flawless. Rachel Dratch from Saturday Night Live (aka: Debbie Downer) also made a guest appearance. She had the audience rolling on their bellies. With her small figure and mushroom haircut, she really fit the character she portrayed in Minsky's. She had the audience in laughter in every scene she was in. I wish I could see this musical/comedy again. It ended on March 1st and I'm glad I had the opportunity to make it to the 3rd show at the Ahmanson Theatre.

My brother's former girlfriend used to love the theatre and she would always take us to see plays at the park, in the theatre, on dvd. She exposed me to a different form of art that I'll forever love. I had the opportunity to see Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre with her a few years back and I believe that was the first live performance I had ever seen in the theatre. I'm forever grateful to her for those experiences and I'll continue to go to the theatre as long as I'm able to afford it. I've always wanted to see the Lion King live, but due to a financial dismay at the time I was unable to.

The shows I'd like to see next are: Pippin, Mary Poppins, Frost/Nixon, and Home Siege Home.

Going to the theatre is a major break from reality. We need some relief once in a while.

Take a seat and enjoy the show. :)

Labels: alvin ailey, love, minsky's, theatre

It's midnight and I'm watching the food network online. I love watching chefs do what they do best. Although it's very tempting to get my hands dirty in the kitchen, I never actually get to it. I made a goal for myself earlier this year that I would finally learn how to cook a variety of meals. (Rachael Ray inspires me.) I'm 24 and I can't cook. My mom is the best cook I know and she's always pressuring me to learn how to cook. I can make rice and fried plantains. I'm constantly hearing "Oh it would be so nice to come home to see the food already made." I understand that. I can't wait to have my own mom try one of my tasty meals. I'm not going to learn because I feel bad (I do) but I've always wanted to make a masterpiece out of food. I'm very fascinated by the endless creations people around the world can make out of vegetables, fruits, eggs, milk, meats...you name it.

Just watch. One of these days (hopefully soon) I'll be adding "Food" to my blog description. I'm just so fascinated by food. I can eat all day if I could. I look forward to the day I create something from scratch. Food will be my new form of art. :) I hope.

Labels: cook, food, kitchen, learning

I promised myself I would save up for a trip to Washington, D.C so I can visit this summer. I plan on going in June and I haven't even started planning yet. Initially, I had thought about staying with my cousin (who happens to live an hour away from D.C) but I'm not sure if I've been invited yet, lol. I'd hate to surprise her and get a "What the hell brings you here?" response. I wouldn't want that sort of welcoming. Plus I'd get lost on my way to her house and back. So, I have to start looking up for affordable hotels.

I have a list of places I'd like to visit while I'm there, but there are two places that top my list: Newseum
Smithsonian

Other places include (In no particular order):
1. That one steakhouse my uncle introduced my family to when I visited back in 1995. Best steak, waffles, and egg juggling show ever!
2. Lincoln Memorial
3. Washington Monument
4. The White House
5. Pentagon 9/11 Memorial
6. Visit my friend Yasmin
7. Some local bar that serves Bahama Mama and has a nice view of Pennsylvania Avenue.
8. Every scene seen in my favorite movie of all time, Forrest Gump. :)

I know my experience this time around will be different than it was 14 years ago. I can't wait.

Labels: planning, travel, washington d.c

I made the Dean's Honor List for Fall 2008.

I'm a very happy camper right now. :)

In other news, life is great.

This year I plan to:


*Finally wear a dress (I wore a skirt once last year. That's how un-girly I am.)
*Learn how to cook
*Go to Washington D.C for a week
*Participate in the graduation ceremony / get my degree in Journalism
*Check out more plays/musicals/comedies/exhibits
*Create my own masterpiece (most likely out of charcoal)
*Learn how to walk in heels.
*Get a massage / manicure (God knows I need both)

This year I have:

*Won a scholarship
*Spring cleaned. Got rid of old clothes /shoes
*Finally bought my first laptop and iPod (Yay!)
*Got a metro bus tap pass for $15, which will last me 6 months!!! (compared to $62 a month)
*Not watched a lot of T.V because I don't have an antenna, and that may be a good thing for now.
*Finally saw a musical/comedy....which was amazing! Yay for complimentary tickets!
*Gotten closer to people I met within the last year
....

Brain freeze. I'll return later. I'm sleepy.